Spring cleaning isn’t just about making your home look nice, it’s also one of the best ways to prevent pest infestations. As temperatures rise, rodents, carpenter ants, silverfish, and spiders begin searching for food, water, and shelter. By tackling clutter, sealing entry points, and eliminating attractants, you can keep these unwanted guests from moving in.
For homeowners in Southeast Alaska, where damp conditions make pest problems even more likely, a thorough spring-cleaning routine is key to maintaining a pest-free home all year long.
1. Declutter & Deep Clean: Eliminate Hiding Spots
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is providing pests with the perfect hiding places. Clutter, especially in attics, basements, and storage rooms, gives pests a cozy home to breed in.
Decluttering Checklist:
✅ Remove old cardboard boxes (silverfish and rodents love nesting in them)
✅ Get rid of unused stacks of newspapers and magazines
✅ Store seasonal clothing in sealed plastic bins rather than fabric bags
✅ Donate or discard unneeded furniture, books, and decor
Once clutter is gone, deep cleaning will remove food particles, dust, and pest eggs.
Deep Cleaning Tips for a Pest-Free Home:
- Vacuum thoroughly—not just carpets, but also baseboards, behind appliances, and in corners
- Dust and wipe down surfaces to remove crumbs and pest pheromones
- Wash and sanitize trash cans to eliminate lingering odors
- Clean under furniture and appliances where crumbs and moisture collect
2. Kitchen Focus: Remove Food & Water Sources
Kitchens are pest hot spots because of easy access to food and water. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to eliminate what attracts pests.
Kitchen Pest Prevention Checklist:
✅ Wipe down counters daily to remove crumbs and spills
✅ Store dry goods in airtight containers to prevent pantry pests
✅ Inspect and clean behind appliances, especially the stove and fridge
✅ Take out the trash regularly and keep bins sealed
✅ Check under the sink for leaks and fix them immediately
Even tiny spills can attract pests like ants, rodents, and cockroaches, so stay consistent with kitchen cleaning habits.
3. Seal Entry Points: Keep Pests Outside
Spring is the time when pests start looking for ways into your home. Even the smallest crack or gap can be an entryway for mice, ants, and spiders.
Common Pest Entry Points & How to Seal Them:
- Doors & Windows: Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens
- Pipes & Utility Lines: Use caulk or expandable foam to seal gaps around pipes
- Cracks in Walls & Foundations: Fill cracks with silicone caulk
- Vents & Chimneys: Install fine-mesh screens to block entry
Even a ¼-inch gap is big enough for a mouse to squeeze through, so inspect your home carefully!
4. Bathroom & Basement: Control Moisture
Damp areas attract pests, especially silverfish, spiders, and carpenter ants. Since Southeast Alaska has a humid climate, moisture control is critical.
Bathroom Pest Prevention Tips:
✅ Use exhaust fans to reduce humidity
✅ Check for leaky pipes under sinks and around toilets
✅ Store towels and toiletries in sealed containers
✅ Clean drains regularly to prevent buildup of organic material
Basement & Crawl Space Tips:
- Keep the humidity level below 50% with a dehumidifier
- Fix leaks or standing water immediately
- Store wood and cardboard off the ground
- Inspect wooden structures for signs of carpenter ants
Pro Tip: If you notice a musty smell in your basement, you may have a moisture problem that could attract pests.
5. Outdoor Spring Cleaning: Stop Pests Before They Get Inside
Your home’s exterior plays a major role in preventing pests. The more hiding spots and food sources you have outside, the more likely pests will try to enter your home.
Yard & Exterior Maintenance Tips:
✅ Trim trees & bushes away from your house (pests use branches as a bridge)
✅ Clear leaves and debris from gutters to prevent standing water
✅ Keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet away from your home
✅ Check outdoor trash bins to make sure lids fit securely
Bonus Tip: Inspect Your Roof! Many homeowners forget that roof damage can lead to rodent and bird infestations. Check for:
✅ Holes or gaps in the roofline
✅ Missing or damaged shingles
✅ Nests in gutters or eaves
6. Spring Cleaning Your Garage & Storage Areas
Garages, sheds, and storage units often become pest havens during winter. Now is the time to clear them out and remove potential infestations.
Garage Pest Prevention Tips:
✅ Store pet food, birdseed, and grass seed in metal containers
✅ Sweep out cobwebs, dust, and debris
✅ Keep lumber & cardboard off the floor
✅ Check for rodent droppings in corners
If your garage has been home to overwintering pests, consider placing traps or calling a pest professional for an inspection.
7. Consider Professional Pest Prevention Services
Even with thorough spring cleaning, some pest issues require professional treatment. A spring pest inspection can help catch problems before they become infestations.
Why Consider Professional Pest Control?
- Rodent exclusion services seal up potential entry points
- Carpenter ant treatments protect against wood damage
- Moisture control recommendations help prevent silverfish and spiders
- Customized pest control plans provide year-round protection
Spring is the best time to schedule a preventative pest control service to ensure your home stays pest-free.
Spring cleaning is more than just a fresh start, it’s an essential step in pest prevention. By decluttering, deep cleaning, sealing entry points, and maintaining outdoor spaces, you can keep pests out of your home and enjoy a clean, healthy living environment.
Taking action now means fewer infestations and less stress throughout the year. Happy cleaning!
